Humane Society raises almost $50,000 with Mutt March event

Jessica Graber of Petco, the presenting Mutt March sponsor, is pictured here with Sid, a shelter dog she adopted from the Humane Society the Treasure Coast.

Doreen Poreba, The PR Czar® Inc.

PALM CITY - Hurricane Sandy caused the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (HSTC) to delay its 10th annual Mutt March by five hours, but the storm couldn't dampen the efforts of the volunteers and participants who turned out in full at Memorial Park for the event, which was presented by the Petco Foundation. The HSTC raised almost $50,000 from the Oct. 27 event to benefit its shelter animals.

"We were pleased that so many supporters and their creatively costumed dogs were able to participate in spite of the weather," said Community Relations Manager Jackie Ranaldo. "For anyone who could not attend, we are still encouraging donations to help get us to our $50,000 goal as we are so close."

The top fundraiser was Teri McLean, who won two nights at the Marriott Hutchinson Island Resort with a round of golf for two and a hand bag from J. McLaughlin. Tabitha Fox placed second and won a Fur Seasons Basket that included pet boarding and four tickets to the Pineapple Festival and Sailfish Splash Water Park. Third place went to Milena Gifford, who won a large caldron basket filled with doggie goodies and toys. Cavies & Co., which paid tribute to one of the HSTC's most active volunteers — the late Linda Davis — won the pack award, for raising the most money for a group.

Hundreds of people brought their furry friends dressed in colorful costumes. Mutt March founders Lori DesRuisseaux, Kay Ziegler and Debra Duval and event sponsor Dr. Arvind Vakani judged the costume contest and gave awards for the cutest, most unique, funniest and best of show. HSTC President & CEO Frank Valente and Ranaldo drew the winning names for the raffle. Susette Grien won a $1,000 gift certificate to Publix and Richard Martiniuk won a $1,000 Visa gift card.

Donations are being accepted in person at its shelter, 4100 SW Leighton Farm Ave., Palm City and online at http://www.firstgiving.com/hstc1. For more information, call 772-600-3211.

Since 1955, the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, located at 4100 SW Leighton Farm Ave. in Palm City, has been the leading advocate for animal welfare in the Martin County area. A 501(c)3 private, nonprofit organization, the Humane Society relies on donations, wills and bequests to support its programs and services. As a local Humane Society, HSTC is independently run from any national welfare or humane organization with no financial assistance from these groups. Follow the HSTC on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/humanesocietyTC and Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/hstc1. For more information, visit http://www.hstc1.org or call 772-223-8822.

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